Do I "have to" work at least 1 year bedside care to be taken seriously as an RN?

[mnf4ever]

I work on a med/surg tele unit and worked damn hard to land my first job with the constant rejection of new grads, bad economy, and "come back when you have 1 year of experience" line. I was so, so, sooooo excited to start in the beginning that I even dedicated a whole entire post to help others on how I landed my first job. Well its been 3 months and i just got off orientation (which was inconsistent and had preceptors who told me they were "forced" to precept and didnt want the position to begin with) and I can honestly say I'm overwhelmed and don't know if I can handle the constant stress, anxiety, and incompetence that I feel as a new grad. I work nights, and it's been hard trying to adjust to that schedule, I feel physically and mentally drained by the end my shift that I barely muster enough strength to try to give a decent report and even then I feel like I could do better. I have to stay late to finish my charting when everyone else seems to be done so fast. AM nurses get annoyed if i cant answer a question they had even though i try my best to find the answer. I wish i could answer all their questions but there are some things i am still new at and need to learn. I apologize and gracefully take their criticisms--i just wish they werent so rude about it. But i just shut my mouth and take it and try not to break down and cry. The only good part is when patients compliment the care I give them and they even say how other experienced nurses they've had were horrible. Anyway I got a job offer at a medspa clinic for a full-time position, less stress, only 2-3 patients a day, and higher pay and willing to train. I have nothing against bedside nursing, but I dread going to work everyday and never had a real "passion" for this type of nursing even though i try my best to take care of my patients as if they were my family members. I feel guilty for even saying this because I really do love helping people, but I hate my job already if that makes sense. What should I do? Bedside nursing is wearing me out physically, mentally, and emotionally.

[knewme]

My first reaction was "Holy Skamoly TAKE THE JOB!" But I guess it would depend on where you want to be in five years, ten years. From what I understand 3 mos in its perfectly normal to still be feeling lost and stressed. Don't sweat about how the other nurses are treating you, its not fun but that "thick skin" you're developing will be an asset all your life. If Medspa is where you want to be for a LONG period of time than consider yourself lucky and go for it. But if you have a goal of case management, NP, nurse educator, etc. you are gonna need that hospital experience. You may find you are at the apex of struggle right now and things will get better as you acclimate. Take a breath really evaluate your goals and then take it one day at a time.

Good luck!

[Freedomsong, NP]

I really feel for you and I do understand. I am new also and about 1/2 way through my orientation. It's very stressful because we are new. I like you am doing my best and taking the initiative to study at home and do whatever I can. I ask questions whenever I am unsure and I take notes. Some days I feel like the other Nurses are a little annoyed with my questions but I know I am new and have to learn. I just say a prayer on my way to work and do my best. We won't be new always. Hang in there.